The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) on Wednesday granted Telecom Egypt a license to install and operate fourth generation networks for mobile phones (4G). Telecom Egypt was previously only a landline service provider, but the LE7.08 billion license introduces the company into the market of mobile operations, where it will provide 4G services using new frequency bands. It is expected that 4G services will increase Internet speed and improve the quality of mobile telephone service, said acting CEO of NTRA Mostafa Abdel Wahed. Telecom Egypt is required to pay the NTRA LE5.2 billion immediately, 50 percent of which has been asked for in Egyptian pounds and 50 percent in US dollars. Operators from outside the country, such as Kuwait-based operator Zain, have shown an interest in the Egyptian market.

Source: Egypt Independent August 31, 2016 14:26 UTC